Spanish

Minor: Spanish

The department introduces students to the complexities of other cultures through the study of another language. Learning a foreign language fosters the ability to cope with the unfamiliar, both linguistically and culturally, and to value diversity and understand interdependence. The study of modern foreign languages prepares students to deal empathetically with people of other cultures and backgrounds, both within our country and abroad.

The department stresses proficiency-oriented teaching methodologies that are supported by appropriate technologies. The proficiency orientation stresses contextual and practical use of language; therefore the language is used in the classroom as much as possible. Modern language study at Nebraska Wesleyan University offers students the opportunity to enhance their personal and professional opportunities regardless of their majors and future career goals.

Majors

The department offers majors in French, German, and Spanish. While credit hour and course requirements may vary by language (see individual language information below), all Modern Languages majors must: 1) study abroad (see details below); 2) complete at least one 3-credit literature course; 3) earn 4 or more hours of 4000-level credits in residence at NWU upon return from study abroad; and 4) complete a 2-hour ML Senior Capstone experience. In addition, the Department requires an exit interview of its graduates.

French and German
A major in French or German requires a minimum of 35-36 credit hours, 24 of which must be beyond Stage IV (2020). At least 8 credit hours must be earned at the 4000-level.

Spanish
A major in Spanish requires a minimum of 37-38 credit hours, 29 of which must be beyond Stage IV (2020). At least 4 credit hours must be earned at the 4000-level.

Study Abroad Requirement: Students majoring in French, German or Spanish are required to incorporate a study abroad experience of a minimum of one semester (12 credit hours) in the language of their major. No more than 16 hours of upper-level credits (3000/4000) from a semester abroad may be applied toward the major (24 credits for two semesters). In conjunction with the semester abroad, students must also complete either GLST 2010 Preparing for Education Abroad or GLST 3010 Processing the International Experience, as well as MLANG 3910 Engaging in Study Abroad. For information on the many available exchange programs and financial aid and scholarship options, students should talk with the Director of Global Engagement and visit the library of study abroad resources.

Students who begin their college language study beyond Stage III (2010) of a language, either as a result of testing or upon consultation with the chair, and who complete a course at that level with a grade of "B" or better, may earn up to 8 hours of retroactive credit for Stage III (2010) and Stage IV (2020). Students who have previously taken a beginning level of a college language (Stage I and/or Stage II) are not eligible for this retroactive credit. In no case may one complete a major with fewer than 12 credit hours earned in residence within the department.

Majors preparing to teach a modern language should consult with the Education Department.

Minors

The department offers minors in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. While credit hour and course requirements vary by language (see individual language information below), in no case may one earn a minor with fewer than 4 hours at Nebraska Wesleyan University in the language of their minor.

French and German
A minor in French or German requires a minimum of 16 credit hours beyond Stage II (1020). For students studying French or German abroad, a minor requires at least one course in the language, from 2010 or above, in residence at NWU.

Japanese
A minor in Japanese requires 10 credit hours beyond Stage II (1020).

Spanish
A minor in Spanish requires a minimum of 14 credit hours beyond Stage II (1020). For students studying Spanish abroad, a minor requires at least one upper-level course in the language (3010 or above) in residence at NWU.

Students who begin their college language study beyond Stage III (2010) of French, German, or Spanish, either as a result of testing or upon consultation with the chair, and who complete a course at that level with a grade of "B" or better, may earn up to 8 hours of retroactive credit for Stage III (2010) and Stage IV (2020). Students who have previously taken a beginning level of a college language (Stage I and/or Stage II) are not eligible for this retroactive credit.

This course will prepare students who are considering going abroad for study, work, or volunteer/service learning by investigating the many facets of facing life in another culture. Topics to be covered include practical travel information, intercultural communication, cross-cultural value systems, foreign academic systems, and cultural self-awareness. This course will give students the tools to make their experience more successful and rewarding. The course is designed for both the student who has already applied for a program and for the student just beginning to explore the idea of going abroad.
Pass/Fail only.

GLST 3010 Processing the International Experience (1 hour)

This class is for students who have successfully completed a semester or year of study abroad and who would like to process that experience further by analyzing specific cultural and educational experiences and interacting with students who have had similiar experiences abroad.
Pass/Fail only.

MLANG 3910 Engaging in Study Abroad (0-1 hours)

This course is designed to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that are unique to language-learning abroad, to engage students in meaningful activities while abroad, to maintain a connection with students while abroad, and to foster continued development of skills and knowledge following the study abroad period. Students will be introduced to specific strategies in language and culture learning in the target culture to help students achieve an experience in the host culture that is meaningful and productive.Prerequisite: Permission of Department.

This course provides an introduction to the study and practice of the sounds of Spanish with an emphasis on practical exercises for improving students' pronunciation of Spanish. In it studetns will study the major phonetic characteristics of regional varieties of the Spanish of Spain and Latin America. Topics to be covered in the course include the articulatory system, transcription and phonetic alphabets, and the similarities and differences between the sounds and pronunciation patterns of Spanish and English.Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2020 Spanish: Stage IV or appropriate placement.

SPAN 3030 Reading Strategies (2 hours)

Students will read a variety of materials using specific strategies designed to help them comprehend texts taught in traditional literature classes as well as other materials written in Spanish.Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2020 Spanish: Stage IV or appropriate placement.

SPAN 3040 Spanish Grammar Review (2 hours)

A course which will present a sequenced review of the grammar of the Spanish language, with an emphasis on areas of particular difficulty for persons whose first language is English.
(Not open to native speakers of Spanish.)Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2020 Spanish: Stage IV or appropriate placement.

The online version of the Nebraska Wesleyan University catalog supersedes any printed catalog or PDF version as the official catalog of NWU. NWU reserves the right to make changes in the regulations and offerings announced in this official online version, as circumstances require. It is expected that the only changes will be the correction of errors and the inclusion of new courses and programs approved during the academic year.